anymore to charge a fee to non-account holders for check cashing services, on top of all the other fees they collect...overdraft, loan interest, minimum balance, debit transaction, etc. So it's pretty rare to find a bank that doesn't charge one, and I thought I'd found it at my local branch of M+S Bank. I'd taken in several checks, drawn from them, to be cashed and was pleasantly surprised not to be charged a fee. So surprised, in fact, I considered opening an account there. That was until yesterday, when I went in to cash a check from someone whom I'd gotten a check from before, and was informed it would be $10 to cash it. I inquired why I was being charged now for something I had had not been charged for before, and was told that it was bank policy to charge to cash paychecks. It wasn't a paycheck, actually...it was a personal loan drawn on a business account....but that's neither here nor there. I asked what the difference was between a paycheck and any other kind of check and the answer I received was "It's a paycheck.". I know....pretty good reasoning, right? When I asked for the banks written policy on check cashing or schedule of fees, they could not provide me with one...I was given some kind of runaround by the bank manager about looking for the email. I was then informed that if I left my name and address, they would mail me a copy....if I was allowed to have it. Yep, that's right...if a customer is ALLOWED to see a schedule of fees, they'll show it to ya. Wait, what?
I was pretty proud of myself through the whole thing with the manager...kept a pleasant demeanor, even laughed and made light of the situation a little in front of two rather cowed looking tellers. I kinda felt bad for them...I know what it's like being stuck in the middle of a very uncomfortable situation. I couldn't resist however, given my somewhat snarky nature when pressed, leaving without commending them for honorably adhering to the rules they were making up on the spot.
Update: I received their brochure on personal banking services today in the mail...and there is indeed a $10 fee for cashing checks...and everything else up to but not quite including allowing you the privilege of walking into the lobby. I'm not sure why they could not have simply handed me the brochure while I was there...needless to say I'll not be taking any of my business there and wouldn't suggest them to anyone else. Shame...my parents banked there for years and had no problems. Too bad they've gone so far downhill.
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